(An e-mail message sent on 1/15/2010 to the congregations under my charge)
Hello brothers and sisters,
You all are aware of the horrible catastrophe that has struck the people of Haiti. As those who are called to share the love of God with all, and especially with those "who are the least of these brothers and sisters" of Christ (Matthew 25:31-46), we have a special duty to respond with compassion as far as our means allow.
Some of you might not be aware, however, of our particular connection with the people of Haiti. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is, in fact, the largest diocese in our Episcopal Church in terms of average Sunday attendance. Our brothers and sisters there use the same prayer book and hymnals as we do, though of course translated into Creole. This diocese has been growing steadily in recent years, adding new missions and churches and schools, thereby giving hope to all of us about the power of the gospel to touch new lives still today.
Unfortunately, our sister Diocese there seems to have been particularly hurt by this earthquake. The entire Cathedral complex in Port-au-Prince (the Cathedral, the Diocesan House, the Cathedral school, and the Bishop's residence) have all been destroyed or badly damaged. A house of the Sisters of Saint Margaret has been destroyed. And it is certain that a number of other Episcopal churches there have also been destroyed or damaged, though numbers cannot be confirmed yet. For people as poor as the Haitians are, this is devastating to lose the work of previous generations of Christians in this way. Thankfully, the Bishop and his family survived, but the deceased among the clergy and laity are still being counted.
On Sunday, we will collect a special offering for the work of Episcopal Relief and Development in Haiti. I believe that this is the best way for any of us to donate to the human needs there now. The Episcopal Church there still has schools and churches in place which are being (and will be) used as primary locations to distribute much needed food, water and medicine.
In addition, you are encouraged to visit the following websites for more information:
And above all else, let us surround all of our thoughts and efforts in prayer. Pray for the people in Haiti and for the Diocese of Haiti, because in the end it is the Lord Jesus Christ who can take this horrendous situation and bring good out of it.
Nathan Ferrell +
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